Makerere University has reopened Mary Stuart Hall, its oldest and largest female residence, after a UGX 10.5 billion ($2.9 million) renovation. The project marks a significant step in upgrading student housing at Uganda’s largest public university.
The refurbished hall, now home to more than 500 students, was commissioned on Friday by First Lady and Education Minister Janet Kataaha Museveni.
Mary Stuart Hall is one of three major projects awarded to the National Enterprise Corporation, the commercial arm of the defense ministry and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces. The others include the renovation of Lumumba Hall and the construction of a perimeter wall. The projects follow a presidential directive to overhaul all student residences at Makerere.
The work at Mary Stuart included new electrical and plumbing systems, a renovated kitchen and dining area, a new roof, upgraded toilets and showers, and ramps for students with disabilities. The facility now has a lift, bright corridors, modern washrooms, laundry facilities, reading and common rooms, and redesigned pantries. NEC has also pledged to add solar lighting and landscaped grounds.
Standing before students and university leaders, Janet Museveni called the reopening both spiritual and symbolic.
“Standing here today is testament to the faithfulness of God,” she said. “He says in His word that ‘My people will rebuild the ancient ruins and places long devastated.’ We have seen God rebuild and even lay new foundations at this great institution.”
She said the project was part of a broader plan.
“The renovation of Mary Stuart Hall is not an isolated project but part of a broader, systematic plan to upgrade all the other halls of residence as well. The NRM Government believes in prioritising projects as resources become available to ensure sustainable development,” she said.
The First Lady also urged care of the facility.
“As we hand over this magnificent facility, I urge the student body to be good stewards of this investment, and the management to be mindful of proper maintenance. This Hall is more than just a place of residence — it is where responsible citizens and future leaders are moulded.”
Completed in 1953, Mary Stuart Hall was the university’s first female residence and remains its largest. It is named after Mary Stuart, wife of Bishop Simon Cyril Edgar Stuart, who championed women’s education in Uganda as early as 1932. Her efforts led to the first admission of women at Makerere in 1945. The hall carries the motto: “Train a woman, a nation trained.”
Vice Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe described the building’s condition before renovations.
“Like its neighbour Lumumba, Mary Stuart Hall was in a sorry state of disrepair before its renovation,” he said. “The lift had not worked for five decades, the corridors were dark, and the roof leaked. That was the state of the Hall when Maama toured it in 2020. But see what God has done.”
Nawangwe praised the new look.
“In a few words, this is a modern student’s hall, as good as any I have seen in advanced economies. I personally send out a message to all female students who will reside in Mary Stuart, to let them know that they are valued, supported and empowered to reach their greatest potential while at Makerere University.”
University Council Chairperson Lorna Magara said the renovation reflected wider changes at the institution.
“Today marks not just the completion of a renovation project but also the realisation of our shared commitment to providing quality infrastructure that enhances the learning experience for our students,” she said.
She noted a 132 percent increase in the university’s development budget over the last seven years. That growth has funded restoration of the Main Building, construction of the School of Law, and ongoing work at Lumumba Hall. Annual research funding has also grown to UGX 20 billion from zero in 2016/2017.
Mary Stuart Hall now accommodates 512 female students, up from 376. But Magara highlighted the scale of need, with only 13 percent of Makerere’s 30,000 students housed on campus.
“Mama, I make this passionate appeal: let us prioritise the continued expansion of student accommodation. Our students deserve safe, accessible, and conducive living spaces that complement their academic pursuits,” she said.
Student leaders welcomed the reopening as a symbol of renewal.
“Today is a reminder that Makerere University is more than bricks and mortar. It is a living institution of excellence, a system that transforms lives, and a symbol of national pride,” said Guild President Ssentamu Churchill James.
He called on peers to respect the facility.
“This opening is more than a physical rehabilitation — it is a restoration of pride and purpose, a reaffirmation of the visionary and resilient spirit that has carried this institution for generations.”
Mary Stuart Hall Chairlady Ampaire Anthea, a fourth-year medical student, also spoke about the transformation.
“Since its last major refurbishment, Mary Stuart Hall has been reborn, rebuilt, and revitalised. This renewal goes beyond walls and roofs; it is about rebuilding our spirit and community,” she said.
She added: “As we celebrate, let us continue to empower women, support their aspirations, and provide them with opportunities they deserve. In doing so, we will build a stronger, more prosperous nation.”
